8th June 1997

An elemental experience

A rocky stretch of beach may not seem the ideal location for a hotel on the coast but architect Geoffrey Bawa has turned the rocks into perhaps the Lighthouse hotel’s greatest asset. For it would take a very unseeing eye to sit on the patio of this hotel and not be awed by the sheer grandeur of those advancing waves dashing on the rocks and the misty spray rising against the blue skies. The rocky outcrop gives way to two rock pools where the ocean’s ebbs and swirls provide a unique bathing place, just below the hotel.

People are often heard to say they never tire of watching the sea and this then is the hotel that is made for them. From almost every angle, be it the restaurant, the terrace, the bedrooms, the suites or the swimming pool, the sea is ever present, if not directly in view, its music pounding in one’s ears, more majestic than any symphony.

The sea and a very strong emphasis on the Dutch period are the themes of the Lighthouse Hotel. Its name, Director Hiran Cooray says was naturally chosen for its links with Galle-the light house being very much a symbol of Galle and its ancient heritage. Seated on the wooden chairs in the lounge, one has an unimpeded view of the Galle lighthouse and Fort . Guests will be encouraged to stroll along the seashore to this landmark, and downtown Galle, just 2 km away, the hotel’s Assistant Manager F. Samidon said. Tours will also be offered to guests to places of interest around Galle, including the forested Rumassala hill and low country tea plantations.

The Lighthouse hotel, the newest in the Jetwing chain which now extends to many parts of the island, owes its unique atmosphere to the talents of some of the country’s best creative artistes. Certainly different from the other resort hotels in ambience, the decor and style bears the unmistakable stamp of Geoffrey Bawa. A large amount of wood and ochre-coloured rough walls have been used to create a fortress like impression. Interiors are decorated with antique reproductions, Indonesian wooden furniture, couches and pettagamas.

The staircase adorned with copper sculptures
Renowned artist Laki Senanayake was commissioned to create the copper and bronze sculptures that adorn the spiral staircase. Representing the Portuguese conquest of Ceylon, the life-size figures in warlike stance with chariots and cannons spouting copper flames are impressive. Furnishings from Barbra Sansoni and Ena de Silva in vibrant hues provide colour, albeit sparingly.

Already planning for an extra 45 rooms, the hotel hopes to gain a five star rating from the Ceylon Tourist Board and aims at an upmarket clientele.

From July, room rates will be US $ 120 or Rs 6000 full board for a double room. The hotel has 60 rooms furnished with a quiet, understated elegance that nevertheless have all the trappings of luxury from the bedside console which controls, at a touch, the lights and music, to the mini bar and TV and the pristine white sheets that are a perfect foil to the Dutch style furniture.

The rooms also provide guests tea/ coffee, complete with a plugged in water heater and personal lockers.

The only touches of colour are the sea green painted wooden windows and doors which complement the decor. Every bedroom has its own private little verandah again overlooking the sea and the beds are so placed that one could lie down and still see the sea through the open windows. There are three luxury suites, decorated in Chinese, Moroccan and Dutch styles, complete with jacuzzis.

The hotel has two restaurants, the main dining hall close to the lobby, its large glass windows looking out at the waves crashing on the rocks below and a fine dining restaurant on the upper floor. A banqueting hall and conference facilities, not to mention two bars and a swimming pool with a maximum depth of 5-feet add to its list of facilities.

The hotel also provides recreation by way of a gymnasium and squash courts. The seven acre, coconut palm shaded property also ensures a degree of privacy to guests, since unlike most other beach resorts there is no other hotel in sight of Lighthouse.

Win!

Free weekends at Lighthouse, Lanka’s newest beach resort

Come taste the splendour

The Lighthouse, Lanka’s newest hotel which was officially opened yesterday has a splendid offer for The Sunday Times readers. Now you too can experience the elegance of its Dutch Colonial rooms and the thunder of the pounding surf. Jetwing Hotels together with The Sunday Times bring you an exciting contest where you can win three super weekends absolutely free at Lighthouse hotel. Each prize is a weekend for two (Friday night to Sunday lunch) at Lighthouse. The offer is valid for three months.

All you have to do is answer the simple question given on the coupon and mail your entries in to:

The Lighthouse Quiz

C/o The Sunday Times

P.O Box 1136,

Colombo.

Entries should be made on the original coupons appearing on this page. Readers could send in any number of entries but photocopies will not be accepted. Entries will close on June 18 and the winners picked by means of a draw. The winning entries will be announced in The Sunday Times of June 22. Employees of Jetwing Hotels Ltd. and Wijeya Newspapers Ltd. are not eligible to take part in this contest.

Q: How far is the Lighthouse hotel from Galle town?

Name:....................................................................

Address:...............................................................

Continue to Plus page 8 - International schools: creating a new elite * It is Beatles time again * The looting of the King’s property and the hunt for treasure

Return to the Plus contents page

Read Letters to the Editor